Philips Norelco 8140XL SpeedXL Men's Shaver

 (412 customer reviews)

Those new XL shaving heads make a huge difference. The additional blades they added change the whole feel of the shave for the better. The shave is a more friendly shave. The heads almost feel soft against your face as you're shaving. For years I have used Afta pre-electric shave to cut down on irritation but I find with this razor it's no longer needed. It is very quiet and I must agree with another reviewer that it sounds like it's on low power. It's not. I thought that the new heads would shorten the amount of time I needed to shave but that wasn't true. It took just as long. Go figure. I would have given this razor 5 stars except after I got it I realized that it does not have a low battery indicator. That was an unwelcome surprise. The 8150XL or 8151XL does.
ADDITIONAL REVIEW AFTER TWO MONTHS OF USE: Other razors wind down slowly when running out of juice. Not this one, it goes from full speed ahead to dead in three seconds. When it does that, turn it off and...Read more

I researched and researched and then I researched some more and eventually selected the 8140. While I do like the unit, it does not shave as close as a blade. It is quicker then shaving with a blade, easier, there's no mess, etc. The unit is also exceptionally quiet compared to other electric razors I've used in the past. It's lighter then I would have expected. The new head design is also more advanced then Norelco's I've used in the past and it does a better job in tough spots like your chin. I have no intentions of returning the unit and I will continue to use it happily, but it does not shave as close as a blade. The good thing is that when you come home from work with that 5-o'clock shadow, you can spend less then 60 seconds running it over your face to get a quick clean up. Lastly, it's a nice looking shaver and having the ability to clean it under the tap is great. I do recommend this product.

UPDATE JANUARY 2009 - I've been using this razor at least 5 times...Read more

So the 1980's gave us lift & cut. The 90's gave us Norelco's Reflex and Quadra systems. Now finally, for the first time in its 70+ years as the leading maker of rotary shavers, Norelco gives us a system that covers more area, with more speed and comfort than ever before. It doesn't just promise a faster, closer shave, it delivers.

I can't speak for all guys, but let me try to break-down the electric / blade dilemma. Blades are closer, but cause irritation. So most blade users tend to skip a day to avoid that. Furthermore, you get a closer shave with a blade if you let the stubble grow a bit, so skipping a day is a common practice. But blade shaving gives guys far more options in terms of products to choose from, both for shavers and shaving conditioners and gels. Simply put, if you want a close shave and the ability to control all aspects of shaving, and see what you're cutting, the blade is the best way to go.

Then there's electric. An idea hatched from the...Read more